Connection Device for Medium Conduits

ABSTRACT

A connection device for the plug connection of at least one media line includes a housing part with at least one reception orifice for plugging in a plug portion connected or connectable to the at least one media line. The housing part includes a basic part and an insert part. The basic part is releasably connected with a form fit to the insert part via a latching connection. The latching connection holds the insert part releasably and is formed by a C-shaped spring clip which is seated on the outside of the basic part and engages with at least one latching extension radially through an orifice of the basic part into a circumferential latching groove of the insert part.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to PCT/EP/2006/062940 filed on Jun. 6,2006 and German Utility Model DE 20 2005 009 018.2, filed Jun. 9, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connection device for the plugconnection of at least one media line (pipeline or hose line for gasesor liquids).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A connection device of this type is known from EP 0 733 844 B1. In EP 0733 844 B1, the insert part consists of a one-piece plastic moldingwhich, for the purpose of the releasability of the plugged-in plugportion detained by the clamping ring against being pulled out andformed by one line end, has two elastic latching arms which engageradially with latching extensions into the basic part and into latchingorifices formed there. Each latching arm has an actuation portionprojecting outward from the basic part. Consequently, the insert partcan be released from the basic part, so that the plug portion, with theclamping ring seated on it, can then also be removed jointly with theinsert part. Although very simple manual release is possible here, theprojecting actuation extensions of the latching arms may neverthelesscause an obstruction or even lead to unwanted release. Moreover, thetype of latching at the insert part during assembly requires an exactalignment in the circumferential direction, so that the latchingextensions can be introduced correctly into the latching orifices.

A further connection device of the generic type is described in thepublication DE 202 14 847 U1. In DE 202 14 847 U1, the insert part canbe plugged completely into the basic part. For latching, the insert parthas on its outer circumference radial latching extensions which latchradially in each case into a corresponding latching orifice of the basicpart. The latching orifices are in this case designed as radial throughorifices, so that, for release, the latching extensions can be reachedfrom outside by means of a suitable tool and be moved radially inward,with the result that the plug portion, together with the clamping ringand with the insert part, can be removed. Although high reliabilityagainst unwanted release is achieved here, release is in this casenevertheless possible only by means of a suitable auxiliary tool.Moreover, even here, on account of the configuration of the insert part,assembly is possible only in a defined rotary orientation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object on which the present invention is based is to improve aconnection device of the type mentioned, such that the assembly of theindividuals parts is simplified and a simple manual releasability of thepreviously plugged-in plug portion detained via the clamping ring isensured. While at the same time there is high reliability againstunwanted release.

This is achieved, according to the invention, by means of the featuresof the independent claim 1. Advantageous design features of theinvention are contained in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to the invention, the latching connection holding theinsert part releasably in the basic part is formed by pa C-shaped springclip which is seated on the outside manually releasably (removably) on asleeve-shaped hollow-cylindrical portion of the basic part and engageswith at least one latching extension radially inward (in each case)through an orifice of the basic part into a circumferential latchinggroove of the insert part. Preferably, two latching extensions lyingessentially diametrically opposite one another are provided, eachlatching extension having an oblique face on its front side facing theplug-in side of the reception orifice, in such a way that, when theinsert part is being introduced into the basic part, each latchingextension is urged radially outward via its oblique face, along with thespring-elastic deformation of the spring clip, and subsequently latchesinto the latching groove as a result of the spring-elastic backdeformation of the spring clip. Since the spring clip surrounds thebasic part over a defined surrounding angle and is in this casepreferably seated, in an outer annular groove of the basic part, highreliability against unwanted release is achieved due to the avoidance ofprojecting parts. At the same time, however, the spring clip can beremoved very simply manually, without a tool, by being spread open, sothat the plug portion, together with the clamping ring and with theinsert part, can then be removed from the basic part. If required, theclamping ring can then be detached from the plug portion, so that theplug portion can also be removed from the insert part.

Advantageously, by virtue of the invention, the insert part is arotationally symmetrical part which can be inserted into the basic partin any desired rotary orientation, because the latching extensions ofthe spring clip can in any, event engage into the outercircumferentially continuous latching groove of the insert part. Thisalso simplifies the assembly of the connection device since a rotaryorientation of the insert part before insertion is unnecessary.

In an advantageous development of the invention, additional securingmeans against an unwanted release of the spring clip in the operatingstate of the connection device are provided. In actual fact, for thispurpose, the spring clip has, on the front side of each latchingextension, a web-like securing portion which, when an axial releasingpull occurs, engages radially and axially behind the associated orificeof the basic part such that the spring clip is blocked against spreadingopen radially. In this state, the spring clip can no longer be removedeven manually. For release, first, a movement of the spring clip in theplug-in direction must take place, in order to remove the securingportions from their engagement position and so that the spring clip canthen be spread open radially.

Furthermore, there is preferably provision for the connection device tobe suitable universally both for the direct connection of a media lineby a cylindrical line end being plugged in and for indirect lineconnection via a separate plug part. The plug part may then have, in theregion of its plug portion, a holding groove for the form-fit engagementof the clamping ring. For this purpose, there is provision for theclamping ring, in cooperation with the inner cone and in terms of itsgeometry, to be designed, in the region of a radially inwardly pointingtooth edge, in such a way that the plug portion may be designedselectively with at least one holding groove for the form-fit engagementof the tooth edge or the smooth cylindrical circumferential face for theform-fit or forcible form-fit engagement of the tooth edge.

Further advantageous design features are explained in more detail below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail below by means of apreferred exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a connection device according to theinvention without a plugged plug portion or plug portion to be pluggedin,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, as in FIG. 1, but with a plugged-inplug portion, here, for example, in the form of a separate form plug forthe indirect connection of a media line, not illustrated,

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the connection deviceaccording to FIG. 2 with the plugged-in plug portion,

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, but with a plugged-inplug portion which is formed directly by a line end,

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the basic part,

FIG. 6 shows an axial section through the basic part in the plane VI-VIaccording to FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged axial section through the insert part,

FIG. 8 shows a greatly enlarged axial view of a clamping ring,

FIG. 9 shows a diametral cross section in the plane IX-IX according toFIG. 8,

FIG. 10 shows an enlargement of a detail of the cross section accordingto FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 shows a greatly enlarged axial front view of a spring clipaccording to the invention,

FIG. 12 shows a diametral cross section in the plane XII-XII accordingto FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the basic part inthe region of the spring clip in a design variant,

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the spring clip in the direction of thearrow XIV according to FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an assembly tool,

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged axial section through the assembly tool,

FIG. 17 shows an axial section through the connection device accordingto the invention with an inserted assembly tool,

FIG. 18 shows a side view of a form plug for indirect line connection,

FIG. 19 shows an axial section in the plane XIX-XIX according to FIG.18,

FIG. 20 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XX in FIG. 19, and

FIG. 21 shows an enlarged part view of the region XXI in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always giventhe same reference symbols, and therefore any description of a partwhich may possibly occur only once with reference to a specific drawingfigure also applies similarly to the other drawing figures in which thepart with the corresponding reference numeral can likewise be seen.

A connection device 1 according to the invention comprises a housingpart 2 with (at least) one reception orifice 4, open on one side (towardthe plug-in side), for axially plugging in an essentiallyhollow-cylindrical plug portion 6 and of a clamping ring 8, arranged inthe housing part 2 or in the reception orifice 4 (see FIG. 1), fordetaining the plug portion 6 plugged in axially, that is to say in thedirection of a plug axis 10. According to FIGS. 2 and 3, the plugportion 6 may be an integral part of a separate form plug 12, via whicha media line can be connected indirectly. According to FIG. 4, however,the plug portion 6 may also be formed by one end of a media line 14, sothat the media line 14 can be plug-connected directly to the connectiondevice 1.

In both instances, the connection device 1 makes it possible to have asimple and quick plug connection simply by plugging the plug portion 6into the housing part 2 without any other assembly steps. In this case,the clamping ring 8 is seated in a widening of the reception orifice 4in such a way that it surrounds the reception orifice 4 and consequentlythe plugged-in plug portion 6. To detain the plugged-in plug portion 6,the clamping ring 8 cooperates with an inner cone 16 of the housing part2 in such a way that, in the event of a movement in a direction (releasedirection, arrow 40) opposite to the plug-in direction (arrow 42), theclamping ring 8 is narrowed radially elastically via the inner cone 16and then acts with a form fit or a forcible form fit against the plugportion 6. The plug portion 6 is then detained against being pulled out.

For the purpose of a subsequent release of the plug portion 6 and alsofor the purpose of the producibility or assemblability of the connectiondevice 1, the housing part 2 is formed in two parts from a basic part 18and from an insert part 20 having the inner cone 16 for the clampingring 8. In this case, the insert part 20 can be plugged into the basicpart 18 and be releasably connected to the latter with a form fit via alatching connection 22. This is a snappable form-fit connection with anactive-area undercut angle ≧90° C.

According to the invention, the latching connection 22 holding theinsert part 20 releasably in the basic part 18 is formed by a C-shapedspring clip 24 (see, in this respect, also the separate illustrations inFIGS. 11 to 14) which is seated on the outside manually releasably(removably) on the basic part 18 and which engages with preferably twolatching extensions 26 radially through orifices 28 of the basic part 18(see FIGS. 5 and 6) into a circumferential latching groove 30 of theinsert part 20 (see, in this respect, also FIG. 7).

As may be gathered from FIGS. 11 to 14, the spring clip 24 comprises aC-shaped spring-elastic annular portion 32 and of preferably twolatching extensions 26 lying essentially diametrically opposite oneanother. The annular portion 32 is of essentially strip-shaped designand extends in the circumferential direction over an angle of about 270°according to FIG. 11. An orifice of about 90° therefore remains, withthe result that it is possible in a simple way to place the spring clip24 onto the basic part 18 and also in a simple way to remove it from thelatter, in each case in a radial direction, said spring clip at the sametime being spread open elastically. The latching extensions 26 maythemselves extend, for example, over about 60° in the circumferentialdirection. On their front sides facing the plug-in side of the receptionorifice 4, the latching extensions 26 have oblique faces 34, in suchaway that, when the insert part 20 is being introduced into the basicpart 18, the latching extensions 26 are urged radially outward via theoblique faces 34 and subsequently latch into the latching groove 30 as aresult of the spring elasticity of the annular portion 32. The springclip 24 is preferably seated with its annular portion 32 in an outerannular groove 36 of the basic part 18. In a preferred embodiment, inthis case, there is provision for the latching extensions 26 to bedesigned or arranged asymmetrically in relation to the annular groove 36and to the annular portion 32 in the axial and/or circumferentialdirection, in such a way that the spring clip 24 can be placed onto thebasic part 18 in only one correct orientation with respect to theoblique faces 34. In this case, of course, the radial orifices 28 of thebasic part 18 are adapted correspondingly to the arrangement orconfiguration of the latching extensions 26.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the version of the spring clip 24 which isprovided in the version of the connection device 1, as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this case, the latching extensions 26 arearranged asymmetrically to the annular portion 32 in the axialdirection. According to FIG. 5, the orifices 28, too, arecorrespondingly formed axially asymmetrically in the annular groove 36of the basic part 18. According to FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring clip 24 canthereby be inserted into the annular groove 36 in only one correctorientation.

In a design variant illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the latchingextensions 26 may also be arranged axially centrally (symmetrically)with respect to the annular portion 32, in which case the latchingextensions 26 are designed or arranged asymmetrically in thecircumferential direction. According to FIG. 13, there is additionallyprovision for the latching extensions 26 to differ from one another interms of the extent of their circumferential angle. In this case, too,the orifices 28 of the basic part 18 are adapted correspondingly. Thisalternative version, too, rules out an incorrect assembly of the springclip 24.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, additionalsecuring means-against an unwanted release or removal of the spring clip24 in an operating state of the connection device 1 in which it is actedupon by an internal system pressure are provided. In the exampleillustrated, see particularly FIGS. 11 and 12, for this purpose, thespring clip 24 has, on the front sides of the latching extensions 26,web-like securing portions 38 which, when a releasing pull F_(Z) actingaxially in the release direction (arrow 40) of the plug portion 6arises, by virtue of an axial driving movement of the spring clip 24 viathe clamping ring 8 and the insert part 20, engage radially and axiallybehind the associated orifices 28 of the basic part 18 such that thespring clip 24 is blocked against spreading open radially. This state isillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. For release, first, a movement in theplug-in direction (arrow 42) out of this blocking position must takeplace, in order to move the spring clip 24 through an axial movementplay into a freeing position in which the spring clip 24, together withthe securing portions 38, can be removed radially. In this case, ofcourse, the axial movement play of the latching extensions 26 within theorifices 28 must be dimensioned such that, in the freeing position, thelatching extensions 26, together with the securing portions 38, can beled outwards through the orifices 28.

As may be gathered, further, from FIGS. 3 and 4, a circumferential seal46, which is preferably formed by an O-ring, is arranged as an actualmedia seal (main seal) within the reception orifice 4 of the housingpart 2 in a space located axially between the insert part 2 with theclamping ring 8 and a counterface 44 lying at a lower area in thereception orifice 8. Moreover, in addition, a sealing arrangement forsealing off against the penetration of dirt and the like is provided.For this purpose, the insert part 20 has two outer circumferential seals48 and 50, arranged axially on both sides of the latching groove 30, forcoming to bear sealingly against the inner face of the basic part 18axially on both sides of the orifices 28. Furthermore, the insert part20 has, in the region of its mouth on the plug-in side, an innercircumferencial seal 52 for coming to bear sealingly on the plugged-inplug portion 6. In the preferred embodiment (see, in particular, FIG.7), the insert part 20, together with the circumferential seals 48, 50and 52, is formed as a multicomponent molding from plastic. In thiscase, the actual insert part 20 comprises a relatively harder and moreresistant plastic material, while the regions of the circumferentialseals 48, 50, 52 comprise a more elastic plastic materialinjection-molded on.

Alternatively to this preferred version, however, it is likewisepossible to use separate sealing rings which should then be seated incorresponding annular grooves of the insert part 20. Moreover, thecircumferential seal 48 could be dispensed with, so that only thecircumferential seal 50 would be present for sealing off against dirtwith respect to the region of the clamping ring 8 and to thecircumferential seal 46.

As may be gathered, further, from FIG. 7, the inner cone 16 of theinsert part 20 preferably comprises two axially adjacent inner coneportions 16 a and 16 b with different cone angles. The first inner coneportion 16 a, remote from the plug-in side, has a first, flatter coneangle α₁, while the second inner cone portion 16 b following in thedirection of the plug-in side is designed with a second, steeper coneangle α₂. According to FIGS. 8 to 10, the clamping ring 8correspondingly has an outer cone 54 with two axially adjacent outercone portions 54 a and 54 b in adaptation to the inner cone portions 16a, 16 b of the insert part 20. In the preferred exemplary embodiment,the first cone angle α₁ lies in the range of 10° to 25°, in particularat about 15°. The second cone angle α₂ preferably lies in the range of40° to 50°, in particular at about 45°.

According to FIG. 8, the clamping ring 8 is formed as an annular body,in particular of metal and has a continuous slot interruption 56 at onecircumferential point, with, the result that the clamping ring 8 isdeformable radially elastically. According to FIGS. 9 and 10, theclamping ring 8 has a radially inwardly pointing tooth edge 58, thediameter of which, in an expanded, not elastically deformed state of theclamping ring 8, is smaller than the outside diameter of the plugportion 6 to be plugged in. In this case, the tooth edge 58 is formed bya sawtooth-like tooth profile 60 between a conical front face 62 and aradial rear face 64 (see, in particular, FIG. 10).

By virtue of this configuration described, when the plug portion 6 isbeing plugged in over the conical front face 62, first, the clampingring 8 is slightly spread open radially (being supported axially on thecircumferential seal 46), until the plug portion 6 can be pluggedthrough the clamping ring 8. The clamping ring 8, by virtue of its toothedge 58, is then first seated forcibly on the circumference of the plugportion 6. As a result, in the event of a pull in the release direction40, the clamping ring 8 is driven forcibly, until its outer cone 54comes to bear in the inner cone 16 of the housing part 2 or of theinsert part 20. With a continuing pull, a radially inwardly directedforce is generated via the cones 16, 54, as a result of which force theclamping ring 8 is narrowed elastically, so that the tooth edge 58engages into the plug portion with a form fit or with a forcible formfit. The plug portion 6 is thereby detained against being pulled out. Inthis case, then, there is preferably provision for the clamping ring 8to be designed, in cooperation with the inner cone 6 and with respect toits geometry, in the region of the tooth edge 58, in such a way that theplug portion 6 may be designed selectively with at least one holdinggroove 66 (see. FIG. 3 and, in particular, FIGS. 18 to 20) for theform-fit engagement of the tooth edge 58 or (according to FIG. 4) with asmooth, cylindrical circumferential face 68 for the form-fit or at leastforcible form-fit engagement of the tooth edge 58.

In this respect, the above-described embodiment with the two inner coneportions 16 a, 16 b of the insert part 20 and with the corresponding twoouter cone portions 54 a, 54 b of the clamping ring 8 is of particularimportance. Thus, the first, flatter cone portions 16 a and 54 a bringabout a reliable engagement or indentation of the tooth edge 58 intosmooth cylindrical plug portions 6, specifically even in the case ofrelatively high diameter tolerances in the region of the plug portion 6.After the minimum indentation (approximately 0.15 mm) is reached, thechange from the flatter to the steeper cone portion takes place. Theindentation end position is consequently reached after a shorter axialtravel. The indentation end position is reached when the clamping ring 8bears with its inner circumferential face 76 (see FIGS. 9 and 10)radially against the outer circumferential face of the plug portion 6.The shortened axial travel results in a shorter required axial conelength. Furthermore, due to the shorter axial travel, no inadmissibleaxial widening of the construction space for the circumferential seal 46(O-ring) into the region of the inner cone 16 occurs.

As may be gathered, further, from FIGS. 9 and 10, the clamping ring 8has, on its rear side pointing in the plug-in direction 42, a bearingcontour for the circumferential seal 46 arranged in the receptionorifice 4 so as to come to bear sealingly on the plug portion 6. Thisbearing contour comprises, first, of a slightly conical centering slope70, via which the clamping ring 8 is centered automatically by bearingagainst the circumferential seal 46, when said clamping ring is movedaxially out of the inner cone 16 when the plug portion 6 is beingplugged in. An annular extension 72 is advantageously formed between thecentering slope 70 and the adjoining, flatter outer cone portion 54 a,in such a way that the outer cone portion 54 a is prolonged in theplug-in direction by said annular extension. The centering slope 70blends inward into a radial annular end face 74. This brings about aprotection of the circumferential seal 46 by the avoidance of a sharpedge which would occur, without the radial annular end face 74, betweenthe centering slope 70 and an inner cylindrical circumferential face 76.

In an advantageous embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the clamping ring 8has, in its outer circumferential region, preferably three secant-likeflattenings 78, by means of which the ring cross section is reducedzonally such that articulation zones and spring arm portions connectedvia these are formed as a result. This contributes to improving theradially elastic deformability of the clamping ring 8. As illustrated,the preferably three flattenings 78 are, in particular, arranged so asto be distributed radially symmetrically with respect to the slotinterruption 56 and with respect to one another.

The form plug 12 (see FIGS. 18 to 21), already mentioned above, which isprovided for an indirect connection of the media line 14, has for theline connection a connecting endpiece 80, onto which the line 14 can beplugged. This connecting endpiece 80 has an endpiece profile with aplurality of, for example three, barb-like tooth edges 82. Preferably,in this case, there is provision for the diameters of the tooth edges 82to increase successively from the free end of the connecting endpiece80. This results in a “pinetree-like profile”, in that an envelopingsurface 84 (indicated by dashes in FIG. 21) defined by the outer tips ofthe tooth edges 82 is formed slightly conically. Owing to thisadvantageous configuration, the connecting endpiece 80 is situated as auniversal endpiece for media lines having different inside diameters.Moreover, the connecting endpiece 80 advantageously has at its free enda short cylindrical portion 85 which makes it easier to introduce itinto the media line 14, in that its outside diameter is somewhat smallerthan the line inside diameter.

In a further preferred embodiment, the plug portion 6 of the form plug12 has two axially offset annular grooves 66 for the engagement of theclamping ring 8, on the one hand, in a partially plugged prelatchingposition and, on the other hand, in a completely plugged full-latchingposition of the plug portion 6. In this case, in the prelatchingposition, there is a leak which is limited to a defined extent and, inparticular, is perceptible acoustically, while, in the full-latchingposition, media-tight sealing is ensured. In this case, in theprelatching position, axial leakage paths are formed between the plugportion 6 and each inner circumferential seal 46 and 52, specificallypreferably in each case by means of a zone 86 of the plug portion 6 withgroove-like depressions 88 running axially and distributed over thecircumference.

In an expedient embodiment, the form plug 12 may constitute an adapterbetween different dimensional systems on the plug side and on the lineside.

For example, the plug side may be designed according to SAE in the inchdimension system, so that SAE lines having measurement in inches canalso be plugged directly, while the line side may be designed in themetric dimension system according to DIN or else universally or into thespecial configuration of the connecting endpiece 80 for both dimensionsystems mentioned.

It also remains to be mentioned that preferably an axial supportingsleeve 90 for forcible engagement into the plugged-in plug portion 6 isarranged within the reception orifice 4. Owing to the supporting sleeve90, the connection device 1 is also suitable for the direct-plugconnection of a relatively more flexible hose line, in that the latteris supported radially inward against the radial force of the clampingring 8 by the supporting sleeve 90. In this case, the basic part 18 isproduced, preferably jointly with the supporting sleeve 90, as aone-piece molding from plastic.

Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated, the housing part 2 isdesigned as a press-in cartridge with a plug-in portion 92 which can beinserted into a connecting orifice of any desired assembly part, notillustrated. Preferably, this plug-in portion 92 has a slightlyconically tapered design and on its outer circumference has, on the onehand, an annular groove 94 for a seal, not illustrated, and, on theother hand, an annular groove 96 for a holding element, likewise notillustrated. In this case, according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the sealingannular groove 94 should lie nearer to that end of the plug-in portion92 which is to be plugged in than the holding element annular groove 96.As a result, during insertion, damage to the sealing region by theholding element within the reception orifice is avoided.

A separate tenon-like assembly 100, which is expedient for inserting theinternal components into the basic part 18 in a simple way and in thecorrect position, will also be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to17.

The assembly tool 100 comprises a gripping portion 102 and of a shankportion 104 with holding zones for the components to be inserted. Thus,the shank portion 104 has a first holding zone 106 for the internalcircumferential seal 46 and for the clamping ring 8 and also a secondholding zone 108 for the insert part 20. According to FIG. 16, in thiscase, the shank portion 104 is subdivided in regions by longitudinalslots 110 into radially spring-elastic spring arms 112. However, at thefree end of the shank portion 104, the spring arms 112 are connected toone another in the circumferential direction via connecting portions114. The spring arms 112 have, in their regions adjoining the free endpointing in the insertion direction, radial holding bosses 106 for thecircumferential seal 46 and, indirectly via the circumferential seal 46,also for the clamping ring 8 and also the insert part 20. As may begathered from FIG. 17, owing to the radial elasticity of the spring arms112, first the insert part 20 and subsequently the clamping ring 8 andthe circumferential seal 46 can be placed axially onto the shank portion104.

In a preferred embodiment, the shank portion 104 has additionally, inthe region between the holding bosses 116 and the second holding zone108 for the insert part 20, radial actuating bosses 118 such that, whenthe assembly tool 100 or the shank portion 104 is being drawn out of theparts, previously inserted into the basic part 18 according to FIG. 17,via the actuating bosses 118 to be moved through the insert part 20, thespring arms 112 are deformed radially inward to an extent such that theholding bosses 116 can be moved, essentially free of contact and offriction, in particular, through the clamping ring 8 and its tooth edge58.

It may be noted that an assembly tool of this type having theadvantageous functions described is also basically suitable,independently of the connection device 1 according to the invention, forsimilar applications in which it is important to have a partiallycontact-free draw-out. Independent protection is therefore also claimedfor the assembly tool. The same also applies correspondingly to theindividual components (basic part 18, spring clip 24, insert parts 20and form plug 12) as “replacement parts” for a connection device 1according to the invention.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments illustratedand described, but also embraces all versions having an equivalenteffect within the meaning of the invention. Furthermore, the inventionhas hitherto also not yet been restricted to the feature combinationdefined in claim 1, but may also be defined by any other desiredcombination of specific features of all the individual featuresdisclosed as a whole. This means that basically virtually any individualfeature of claim 1 may be omitted or be replaced by at least oneindividual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. To thatextent, claim 1 is to be understood merely as a first attempt at aformulation of the invention.

1. A connection device (1) for the plug connection of at least one,media line (14), comprising: a housing part (2) with at least onereception orifice (4) for plugging in a plug portion (6) connected orconnectable to the at least one media line (14) and with a clamping ring(8) which is arranged in the reception orifice (4) and which cooperateswith an inner cone (16) of the housing part (2) for the detention of theplug portion (6), the housing part (2) comprises a basic part (18) andan insert part (20), the basic part (18) releasably connected with aform, fit to the insert part (20) via a latching connection (22) andhaving the inner cone (16) for the clamping ring (8), wherein thelatching connection (22) holding the insert part (20) releasably isformed by a C-shaped spring clip (24) which is seated on the outsidemanually releasably on the basic part (18) and engages with at least onelatching extension (26) radially through an orifice (28) of the basicpart (18) into a circumferential latching groove (30) of the insert part(20).
 2. The connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the springclip (24) comprises a C-shaped annular portion (32) and of two latchingextensions (26) lying essentially diametrically opposite one another,the latching extensions (26) having oblique faces (34) on their frontsides facing the plug-in side of the reception orifice (4), in such away that, when the insert part (20) is being introduced into the basicpart (18), the latching extensions (26) are urged radially outward viathe oblique faces (34) and subsequently latch into the latching groove(30).
 3. The connection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the springclip (24) is seated with its annular portion (32) in an outer annulargroove (36) of the basic part (18), the latching extensions (26) beingdesigned asymmetrically in relation to the annular groove (36) and tothe annular portion (32) in the axial and/or circumferential direction,in such a way that the spring clip (24) can be placed onto the basicpart (18) in only one correct orientation with respect to the obliquefaces (34).
 4. The connection device as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a securing means configured to prevent an unwanted release ofthe spring clip (24) in the operating state of the connection device. 5.The connection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spring clip(24) has, on the front side of the/each latching extension (26), asecuring portion (38) which, when an axial releasing pull (F_(Z))arises, engages, radially and axially behind the associated orifice (28)of the basic part (18) such that the spring clip (24) is blocked againstspreading open radially.
 6. The connection device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the insert part (20) has at least one circumferential seal (50)axially adjacent to the latching groove (30), but preferably two outercircumferential seals (48, 50), arranged axially on both sides of thelatching groove (30), for coming to bear sealingly against the innerface of the basic part (18).
 7. The connection device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the insert part (20) has, in the region of its mouth onthe plug-in side, an inner circumferential seal (52) for coming to bearsealingly on the plugged-in plug portion (6).
 8. The connection deviceas claimed in claim 6, wherein the insert part (20), together with thecircumferential seals (48, 50, 52), is formed as a multicomponentmolding from plastic.
 9. The connection device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the inner cone (16) of the insert part (20) comprises twoaxially adjacent inner cone portions (16 a, 16 b) with different coneangles, specifically of a first inner cone portion (16 a) remote fromthe plug-in side and having a first, flatter cone angle (α₁) and of asecond inner cone portion (16 b) following the direction of the plug-inside and having a second, steeper cone angle (α₂).
 10. The connectiondevice as claimed in claim 9, wherein the clamping ring (8) has twoaxially adjacent outer cone portions (54 a, 54 b) in adaptation to theinner cone portions (16 a, 16 b) of the insert part (20).
 11. Theconnection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first cone angle(α₁) lies in the range of 10° to 25°, in particular at about 15°, andthe second cone angle (α₂) lies in the range of 40° to 50°, inparticular at about 45°.
 12. The connection device as claimed in claim1, wherein the clamping ring (8) is formed as an annular body, inparticular of metal, having a continuous slot interruption (56) at onecircumferential point and thereby being deformable radially elasticallyand has a radially inner tooth edge (58), the diameter of which issmaller than the outside diameter of the plug portion (6) to be pluggedin.
 13. The connection device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the toothedge (58) is formed by a tooth profile (60) with a conical front face(62) and with a radial rear face (64).
 14. The connection device asclaimed in claim 12, wherein the clamping ring (8) is designed, incooperation with the inner cone (6) and with respect to its geometry, inthe region of the tooth edge (58), in such a way that the plug portion(6) may be designed selectively with a holding groove (66) for theform-fit engagement of the tooth edge (58) or with a smooth, cylindricalcircumferential face (68) for the form-fit or forcible form-fitengagement of the tooth edge.
 15. The connection device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the clamping ring (8) has, on its rear side pointing inthe plug-in direction (42), a bearing contour with a centering slope(70) for a circumferential seal (46) arranged in the reception orifice(4) so as to come to bear sealingly on the plug portion (6).
 16. Theconnection device as claimed in claim 15, wherein between the centeringslope (70) and the adjoining outer cone portion (54 a) of the clampingring (8), an annular extension (72) prolonging the outer cone portion(54 a) is formed.
 17. The connection device as claimed in claim 15,wherein the centering slope (70) merges radially inward into a radialannular end face (74).
 18. The connection device as claimed in claim 12,wherein the clamping ring (8) has, at least at one circumferentialpoint, an articulation zone formed by a reduction in its ring crosssection, for which purpose preferably the clamping ring (8) has in theouter circumferential region at least one, preferably three flattenings(78) in an arrangement radially symmetrical, in particular, with respectto the slot interruption (56) and with respect to one another.
 19. Theconnection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug portion (6) isformed directly by one end, having a cylindrical circumferential face(68), of the media line (14) to be connected.
 20. The connection deviceas claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug portion (6) is an integral partof a separate form plug (12) which has a connecting endpiece (80) forthe indirect connection of the media line (14).
 21. The connectiondevice as claimed in claim 20, wherein the plug portion (6) of the formplug (12) has at least one annular groove (88) for the form-fitengagement of the clamping ring (8).
 22. The connection device asclaimed in claim 20, wherein the plug portion (6) has two axially offsetannular grooves (66) for the engagement of the clamping ring (8), on theone hand, in a prelatching position and, on the other hand, in afull-latching position, in the prelatching position there being aperceptible leak limited in a defined manner, and in the full-latchingposition media-tight sealing being ensured.
 23. The connection device asclaimed in claim 22, wherein in the prelatching position, axial leakagepaths are formed between the plug portion (6) and the/each innercircumferential seal (46, 52), specifically preferably in each case by azone (86) of the plug portion (6) having at least one axially runninggroove-like depression (88).
 24. The connection device as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the connecting endpiece (80) of the form plug (12) hasan endpiece profile with barb-like tooth edges (82), the diameter of thetooth edges (82) increasing successively from the free end of theconnecting endpiece (80).
 25. The connection device as claimed in claim20, wherein the connecting endpiece (80) has at its free end a short,preferably cylindrical, portion (85) for simplified insertion into therespective media line (14).
 26. The connection device as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the form plug (12) is designed as an adapter betweendifferent dimension systems on the plug side and on the line side. 27.The connection device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an axialsupporting sleeve (90) for forcible engagement into the plugged-in plugportion (6) is arranged within the reception orifice (4).
 28. Theconnection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the basic part (18) isproduced, preferably jointly with the supporting sleeve (90), as aone-piece molding from plastic.
 29. The connection device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the housing part (2) is designed as a press-incartridge with a plug-in portion (92) which can be inserted into aconnecting orifice of any desired assembly part.
 30. The connectiondevice as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an assembly tool (100)for inserting the internal components into the basic part (18) in thecorrect position.
 31. The connection device as claimed in claim 30,wherein the assembly tool (100) has a shank portion (104) with holdingzones (106, 108) for an inner circumferential seal (46), the clampingring (8) and the insert part (20).
 32. The connection device as claimedin claim 31, wherein the shank portion (104) is subdivided in regions bylongitudinal slots (110) into radially spring-elastic spring arms (112)which have, in the region adjoining the free end pointing in theinsertion direction, radial holding bosses (116) for the circumferentialseal (46) and, indirectly via the circumferential seal (46), also forthe clamping ring (8) and the insert part (20).
 33. The connectiondevice as claimed in claim 32, wherein the shank portion (104) has inthe region between the holding bosses (116) and the holding zone (108)for the insert part (20), radial actuating bosses (118) such that, whenthe assembly tool (100) is being drawn out of the previously insertedparts via the actuating bosses (118) to be moved through the insert part(20), the spring arms (112) are deformed radially inward to an extentsuch that the holding bosses (116) can be moved, essentially free ofcontact and of friction, through the clamping ring (8).
 34. (canceled)35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)
 38. An assembly tool (100)particularly for a connection device (1) comprising: a shank portion(104) with holding zones (106, 108) for components, such as acircumferential seal (46), a clamping ring (8) and an insert part (20),which are to be inserted into a basic part (18), the shank portion (104)being subdivided in regions by longitudinal slots (110) into radiallyspring-elastic spring arms (102) which have radial holding bosses (116)for the components to be inserted.
 39. The assembly tool as claimed inclaim 38, wherein the spring arms (112) additionally have radialactuating bosses (118), in such a way that, when the shank portion (104)is being drawn out of the components, previously inserted into the basicpart (18), via the actuating bosses (118) to be moved through at leastone of the components, the spring arms (112) are deformed radiallyinward to an extent such that the holding bosses (116) can be moved,essentially free of contact and of friction, through the region of atleast one of the components.